Adjustable angle prophy angle adapter

ABSTRACT

An adjustable angle adapter for a prophy angle comprises a nose, a rotating member, a body, a shaft, and a multi-axis rotation joint. The nose is configured to receive a portion of a prophy angle. The rotating member is positioned within the nose. The body is adjustably connected to the nose. The shaft is positioned within the body. The multi-axis rotation joint connects the shaft to the rotating member. The nose is rotatable relative to the body into at least a first configuration and a second configuration.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/862,628, filed on Sep. 27, 2007, and a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/682,927 filed on May 7, 2007, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The disclosure relates generally to dental instruments and, more specifically, to adapters for use with prophy angles.

2. Description of the Related Art

Dental prophylaxis angles, generally referred to as “prophy angles,” are commonly used dental instruments for providing rotation for dental tools such as brushes, prophy cups, or other receptacles used in cleaning/polishing teeth. Referring to FIGS. 25 and 26, a prophy angle 10 typically includes a housing 16 having a neck 18 and a head portion 14 extending at approximately a 90° angle to the neck 18, which increases the ability of a dentist to reach various surfaces of the teeth of a patient. A drive shaft or rotating member 12 can be located within the housing 16 and attached to a driven gear 20 in the head of the prophy angle. Prophy angles 10 are generally affixed to an adapter or hand piece (not shown), which connects the prophy angle to a drive source (not shown), thereby enabling a rotating motion of the rotating member 12 and driven gear 20 of the prophy angle and any affixed dental tool.

Prophy angles 10 are commonly manufactured from lightweight plastic to make them disposable, thereby increasing overall sterility in the dental environment. An issue associated with making the prophy angles 10, and their constituent elements, such as the rotating member 12, from plastic is the ability of the hand piece to engage the rotating member 12 without slipping and to engage the rotating member 12 without excessive damage to the rotating member 12. Another issue associated with the use of prophy angles 10 is the widespread use of many different and incompatible types of couplings between the drive source and the hand piece and between the hand piece and the prophy angle 10. Yet another issue associated with the use of prophy angles 10 is the number of adapters needed to provide different orientations.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention address deficiencies of the art with respect to a creating a robust coupling between the adapter and the prophy angle and to combine prophy angles and drive sources having different types of couplings. An adjustable angle adapter for a prophy angle comprises a nose, a rotating member, a body, a shaft, and a multi-axis rotation joint. The nose is configured to receive a portion of a prophy angle. The rotating member is positioned within the nose. The body is adjustably connected to the nose. The shaft is positioned within the body. The multi-axis rotation joint connects the shaft to the rotating member. The nose is rotatable relative to the body into at least a first configuration and a second configuration.

In the first configuration, the shaft and the rotating member share a common rotational axis, and in the second configuration, a rotational axis of the shaft is at a non-zero degree angle to a rotational axis of the rotating member. A lock is included. In a unlocked configuration of the lock, the nose is rotatable relative to the body, and in a locked configuration of the lock, the lock preventing the nose from rotating relative to the body. A pivot connects the body to the nose.

In certain aspects, the nose rotates relative to the body about an axis substantially perpendicular to a rotational axis of the shaft and/or a rotational axis of the rotating member. In other aspects, the pivot comprises opposing and mating faces that are at an angle, other than perpendicular, to a rotational axis of the rotating member and a rotational axis of the shaft. The nose is rotatable relative to the body into at least a first configuration and a second configuration while the shaft is rotating. The nose rotates relative to the body about an axis that intersects an intersection point between a rotational axis of the rotating member and a rotational axis of the shaft.

Additional aspects of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The aspects of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The embodiments illustrated herein are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown, wherein:

FIGS. 1A and 1B are side cross-sectional views of an adjustable angle adapter, respectively, not including and including a sleeve, in accordance with the inventive arrangements;

FIG. 2 is an exploded, perspective view of the adjustable angle adapter of FIG. 1B;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a pivot;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a lock;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are, respectively, side and top views of the adjustable angle adapter in a locked and straight configuration;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are, respectively, side and top views of the adjustable angle adapter in an unlocked and straight configuration;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are, respectively, side and top views of the adjustable angle adapter in an unlocked and contra configuration;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are, respectively, side and top views of the adjustable angle adapter in a locked and contra configuration;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are side cross-sectional views of a second adjustable angle adapter, respectively in a straight configuration and a contra configuration, in accordance with the inventive arrangements;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of the second adjustable adapter of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 11 is an exploded, perspective view of the adjustable angle adapter of FIGS. 9A and 9B;

FIGS. 12A and 12B are, respectively, top and side views of the adjustable angle adapter in a straight configuration;

FIGS. 13A and 13B are, respectively, top and side views of the adjustable angle adapter in a contra configuration;

FIG. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view of the pivot, coupler, and lock;

FIG. 15 is another partial cross-sectional view of the pivot, coupler, and lock;

FIG. 16 is yet another partial cross-sectional view of the pivot, coupler, and lock;

FIG. 17 is still another partial cross-sectional view of the pivot, coupler, and lock;

FIGS. 18A-18C are, respectively, a front perspective view, a front plan view, and a side cross-sectional view of a collet in accordance with the inventive arrangements;

FIGS. 19A-19D are, respectively, a perspective view of a receiver, a perspective view of the receiver and a second pin, a perspective view of a first pin and the second pin, and a perspective view of the first pin and the second pin position within a head of a yoke and pin joint in accordance with the inventive arrangements;

FIGS. 20A and 20B are, respectively, side and top views of the head of the multi-axis rotation joint and a shaft to which the head is connected;

FIG. 21 is a side, cross-sectional view of an improved prophy angle in accordance with the inventive arrangements;

FIG. 22 is a side view of the adjustable angle adapter with a lip in accordance with the inventive arrangements;

FIG. 23 is a side, cross-sectional view of the improved prophy angle and adjustable angle adapter of FIGS. 21 and 22 in accordance with the inventive arrangements;

FIGS. 24A and 24B are, respectively, side and side cross-sectional views of an adapter with an integral micromotor;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a prophy angle according to the prior art; and

FIG. 26 is a side cross-sectional view of the prophy angle according to the prior art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2 illustrate an exemplar adjustable angle adapter 100 for use with a prophy angle 10. The adapter 100 includes a body 110 and a nose 112. The adapter 100 includes a shaft 118, which is adjustably connected to a rotating member, such as a collet 200, for receiving a rotating member 12 of the prophy angle 10. The nose 112 includes a first bore 114 for receiving the rotating member 12 and, in certain configurations, a portion of the shaft 118 and/or collet 200.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 1B and 2, a removably attachable flexible sleeve 130, which covers portions of both the body 110 and nose 112, may be included. Although not limited in this manner, the sleeve 130 covers both the area of engagement between the body 110 and the nose 112 in addition to a lock 150. Although not limited in this manner, the sleeve 130 may be connected to the body 110 and the nose 112 via grooves 113 in the body 110 and the nose 112.

The nose 112 rotates relative to the body 110 about an axis perpendicular to either the rotational axis RA₂ of the shaft 118 or the rotational axis RA₁ of the collet 200 (FIG. 9B illustrates the respective rotational axes RA₁, RA₂). In this manner, the adjustable angle adapter 100 provides greater flexibility to a user using the adapter 100. Advantageously, this flexibility may be able to reduce the number of different types of adapters 100 a particular user may require.

For example, in a first configuration, the rotational axis RA₂ of the shaft 118 shares the rotational axis RA₁ of the collet 200 (see, e.g., FIGS. 5A-5B). In a second configuration, however, the rotational axis RA₂ of the shaft 118 is at a non-zero degree angle to the rotational axis RA₁ of the collet 200 (see. e.g., FIGS. 8A-8B). The second configuration is commonly referred to as contra-style or angled. Although not limited in this manner, a contra-style adapter 100 is used in dentistry to obtain better access to the back teeth of a patient. Thus, whereas prior adapters were limited to a single configuration, the adjustable angle adapter 100 can provide two or more different configurations. As will be discussed in greater detail below, many mechanisms by which the nose 112 rotate relative to the body 110 are acceptable for use with the present adjustable angle adapter 100. Additionally, although the currently illustrated adapter 100 includes a single joint, multiple joints can be provided.

The outer portion of the nose 112 may be shaped to mate with the prophy angle 10. As is known in the art, many types of different types of prophy angles 10 exist that have different mating profiles, and the present adapter 100 is not limited as to a particular shape of the nose 112 and as to a particular profile of prophy angle 10 with which the nose 112 can mate. However, in a current aspect of the adapter 100, the nose 112 is a configured as a doriot-style adapter. Depending upon the type of prophy angle 10, other type of connections devices include, but are not limited to, latch type, 3-ball chuck, attachment ring, push chuck, quick-connect collars, autochucks, E-type (i.e., ISO 3964), DIN 13940, ISO 1797, U-type, NSK type, Midwest type.

The body 110 includes a second bore 116 for receiving the shaft 118 and, in certain configurations, also a portion of the rotating member 12. Additionally, the inner surface of the second bore 116 of the body 110 may be shaped to mate with a drive source, such as a micromotor. As is known in the art, many different configuration of drive sources exist that have different mating profiles, and the present adapter 100 is not limited as to a particular profile of the second bore 116 with which the drive source can mate.

As is known in the art, many different types of drive sources exist and these different drive sources have different configurations for coupling with a rotating member, such as the shaft 118. In this regard, the present adapter 100 is not limited as to the type and configuration of coupler 126 that couples with the drive source. However, in certain aspects of the adapter 100, the coupler 126 is an E-type coupler. Other types of couplers/connection devices have been previously described with regard to the nose 112.

The shaft 118 is rotated by the drive source, which is connected to a coupler 126 positioned on one end of the shaft 118, which drives a collet 200 connected on another end of the shaft 118. In certain configurations of the adjustable angle adapter 100, both the coupler 126 and the collet 200 rotate about a common rotational axis RA. As will be subsequently illustrated, in other configurations of the adjustable angle adapter 100, the coupler 126 and the collet 200 rotate about different rotational axes RA₁, RA₂ (see FIG. 9B).

Many types of shafts 118 are capable of transmitting rotation from the coupler 126 to the collet 200, and the present adjustable angle adapter 100 is not limited as to a particular type of shaft 118 so capable. Because the rotational axis RA₂ of the shaft 118 may be at an angle to the rotational axis RA₁ of the collet 200, a multi-axis rotation joint 400 (see discussion with regard to FIGS. 19A-19C, 20A-20B, 21A-21B, 22, and 23) is positioned between the collet 200 and the shaft 118 to transfer the rotation of the shaft 118 to the collet 200.

Many types of mechanisms can be used to adjust the angle of the adjustable angle adapter 100. As the term is used herein, to adjust the angle of the adapter involves adjusting the angle between the rotational axis RA₁, about which the collet 200 rotates, and the rotational axis RA₂, about which the shaft 118 rotates. Proxies for these axes can be the centerlines, respectively, of the nose 112 and body 110. In current aspects of the adjustable angle adapter 100, the angle between the rotational axis RA₂ of the shaft 118 and the rotational axis RA₁ of the collet 200 is adjustable between 0° and 18°±10°. In certain current aspects, the angle is adjustable between 0° and 18°. However, other angles are possible.

Referring to FIGS. 2-4, a first mechanism by which the nose 112 is rotated relative to the body 110 is illustrated. The first mechanism includes a pivot 160, which is connected to both the nose 112 and the body 110. The pivot 160 is rotationally stationary relative to one of the nose 112 and body 110, and is rotationally connected to the other of the nose 112 and body 110. As illustrated, the pivot 160 is fixed relative to the nose 112 and rotationally connected to the body 110. Many devices are known as being capable of rotationally connecting one feature to another feature, and the first mechanism is not limited in the manner by which the pivot 160 is rotationally connected to the body 110. For example, the pivot 160 is connected to the body 110 using a pair of first pins 164, which pass through holes 166 in the pivot 160 and connect to openings 168 in the body 110.

Although not limited in this manner, the nose 112 rotates relative to the body 110 about an axis substantial perpendicular to the rotational axis RA₁, about which the collet 200 rotates, and/or the rotational axis RA₂, about which the shaft 118 rotates. Moreover, the nose 112 rotates relative to the body 110 about an axis that intersects an intersection point between the rotational axis RA₁, about which the collet 200 rotates, and the rotational axis RA₂, about which the shaft 118 rotates.

The adjustable angle adapter 100 also includes a lock 150 that prevents the nose 112 from rotating relative to the body 110. Many devices are known as being capable of preventing one feature from rotating relative to another feature, and the adjustable angle adapter 100 is not limited in the manner to a particular type of lock 150 so capable. However, in certain aspects of the adjustable angle adapter 100, the lock 150 includes a latch 152 connected to the one of the nose 112 and the body 110. The latch 152, while being connected to the one of the nose 112 and the body 110 is releasably connected to the other of the nose 112 and the body 110. Upon the latch 152 being engaged with the other of the nose 112 and the body 110, the nose 112 is prevented from rotating relative to the body 110. Conversely, upon the latch 152 being disengaged with the other of the nose 112 and the body 110, the nose 112 is capable of rotating relative to the body 110.

As illustrated, the latch 152 is connected to the body 110 and releasably connected to the pivot 160, which is connected to the nose 112. Many devices are known as being used to releasably connect one feature to another feature, and latch 150 is not limited in the manner by which the latch 150 is releasable connected to the pivot 160. For example, the latch 150 may include one of a latch pin 154 or a latch hole 162. Upon the latch pin 154 being within the latch hole 162, the latch 150 is connected to the pivot 160, and upon the latch pin 154 being outside the latch hole 162, the latch 150 released from the pivot 160. As illustrated, the latch 150 includes the latch pin 154, and the pivot includes at least one latch hole 162. The latch pins 154 and the latch holes 162 may be both conically shaped (i.e., tapered). This configuration prevents flex coupling between the latch 150 and the pivot 160.

The latch pin 154 may be withdrawn from and inserted into the latch hole 162 using, for example, a “see-saw” mechanism. Although not limited to this particular configuration, the latch 150 may include a latch pivot 156 that is connected to the body 110 using latch connectors 158. As one end of the latch 152 is depressed towards the body 110, the other end of the latch 152, which includes the latch pin 154, is moved away from the body 110 and away from the pivot 160. In this manner, the latch pin 154 may be withdrawn from the latch hole 162. Conversely, as the one of the latch 152 is moved away from the body 110, the other end of the latch 152, which includes the latch pin 154, is moved towards the body 110 and the pivot 160. Thus, in this manner, the latch pin 154 may be inserted into the latch hole 162.

Although not limited in this manner, the latch 152 may be connected to biasing means (not shown), for example a spring, that bias the other end of the latch 152, which includes the latch pin 154, either into the latch hole 162 or out of the latch hole 162. In certain aspects, the biasing means bias the latch pin 154 into the latch hole 162. In so doing, the lock 150 is, by default, in an engaged configuration.

Referring again to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the lock 150 may be positioned within a recess 170 within the body 110. In this manner, upon the lock 150 being connected to the body 110 and in at least one configuration of the lock 150, no portion of the lock 150 extends beyond a boundary defined by the outer circumference of the body 110. Since, in certain aspects of the adjustable angle adapter 100, the sheath 130 covers the lock 150, the sheath 130 may include indicators (not shown) that indicate where a user is to depress to disengage the lock 150.

FIGS. 5A-5B, 6A-6B, 7A-7B, and 8A-8B illustrate the steps involved in adjusting the adjustable angle adapter 100 from the first configuration (i.e., a 0° angle or shared rotational axis RA) to the second configuration (i.e., an 18° angle between the rotational axes RA₁, RA₂. In FIGS. 5A-5B, the adjustable angle adapter 100 is in the first configuration, and the locks 150 are engaged, which prevents rotation of the nose 112 relative to the body 110.

Referring to FIGS. 6A-6B, the locks 150 are disengaged, for example, by depressing the latch 152, which withdraws the latch pin 154 from the latch holes 162 within the pivot 160. The nose 112 is then able to rotate relative to the body 110. Referring to FIGS. 7A-7B, while the locks 150 are disengaged, the nose 112 is rotated relative to the body 110 into the second configuration. Referring to FIGS. 8A-8B, the locks 150 are again engaged, which prevents rotation of the nose 112 relative to the body.

Referring to FIGS. 9-17, an additional mechanism by which the nose 112 is rotated relative to the body 110 is illustrated. The second mechanism includes a pivot 160, which is connected to both the nose 112 and the body 110. The pivot 160 is rotationally stationary relative to one of the nose 112 and body 110, and is rotationally connected to the other of the nose 112 and body 110. As illustrated, the pivot 160 is fixed relative to the nose 112 and rotationally connected to the body 110. Many devices are known as being capable of rotationally connecting one feature to another feature, and the first mechanism is not limited in the manner by which the pivot 160 is rotationally connected to the body 110. For example, the pivot 160 is connected to the body 110 using a coupler 180, such as a ring or bearings, between the pivot 160 and the body 110.

Both the pivot 160 and the body 110 respectively include opposing and mating faces 190, 192 that are at an angle, other than perpendicular, to the rotational axis RA₁ of the collet 200 and the rotational axis RA₂ of the shaft 118. In one aspect, these angles of the mating faces 190, 192 relative to the rotational axes RA₁, RA₂ are the same. Depending upon the orientation of the body 110 relative to the nose 112, these angles either (i) cancel each other out (i.e., FIG. 9A) such that a shared rotational axis exists between the body 110 and the nose 112, (ii) combine such that the angle between the rotational axis RA₁ of the collet 200 and the rotational axis RA₂ of the shaft 118 is twice the angle between one of the mating faces 190, 192 and one of the rational axes RA₁, RA₂, or (iii) the angle between the rotational axis RA₁ of the collet 200 and the rotational axis RA₂ of the shaft 118 is somewhere between 0° and twice the angle between one of the mating faces 190, 192 and one of the rational axes RA₁, RA₂).

In current aspects of the adjustable angle adapter 100, the angle between the rotational axis RA₂ of the shaft 118 and the rotational axis RA₁ of the collet 200 is adjustable between 0° and 18°±10°. In certain current aspects, the angle is adjustable between 0° and 18°. To provide an adjustment to an 18° angle, the angle between each of the mating faces 190, 192 and the respective rational axes RA₁, RA₂ would be 9°.

The adjustable angle adapter 100 also includes a lock 155 that prevents the nose 112 from rotating relative to the body 110. Many devices are known as being capable of preventing one feature from rotating relative to another feature, and the adjustable angle adapter 100 is not limited in the manner to a particular type of lock 155 so capable. However, in certain aspects of the adjustable angle adapter 100, the lock 155 includes a movable pin 157 that extends between the body 110 and the nose 112. In a withdrawn, unlocked position, the pin 157 is withdrawn into either one of the body 110 and nose 112. However, in an extended, locked position, the pin 157 intersects both of the mating faces 190, 192 of the body 110 and nose 112, which prevents rotation of the nose 112 relative to the body 110.

FIGS. 12A-12B and 13A-13B illustrate the steps involved in adjusting the adjustable angle adapter 100 from the first configuration (i.e., a 0° angle or shared rotational axis RA) to the second configuration (i.e., an 18° angle between the rotational axes RA₁, RA₂. Staring with FIGS. 12A-12B, the body 110 is twisted, relative to the body 110, about the rotational axis RA₁ of the collet 200. This twisting motion causes the rotational axis RA₁ of the collet 200 to diverge from the rotational axis RA₂ of the shaft 118, as shown in FIG. 13B.

FIGS. 14-17 illustrate further aspects of the pivot 160, coupler 180, and lock 155. Referring specifically to FIG. 15, in certain aspects, a channel 182 can be formed within the pivot 160 and the body 110 through which the bearings of the coupler 180 can be introduced into a groove between the body 110 and the pivot 160, which respectively act as races of a ball bearing. This channel 182 can be subsequently plugged and/or stopped by rotating the pivot 160 relative to the body 110. In this manner, the balls are prevented from exiting the groove.

Although not limited to this specific configuration, the lock 155 can include a pin 157, a biasing member 159, and an adjustable stop 161. The pivot 160 can also include a receiving portion 153 (e.g., a slot or dimple) that receives the pin 157. Upon the body 110 rotated relative to the pivot 160 along a particular orientation, the receiving portion 153 is in-line with the pin 157, and the biasing member 159 biases the pin 157 into the receiving portion 153. Thus, for a user to rotate the body 110 relative to the pivot 160 (and also the nose 112), a sufficient force needs to be exerted to bias the pin 157 out of the receiving portion 153.

In certain aspects, the lock 155 includes an adjustable stop 161. The adjustable stop 161 can serve different functions. For example, by moving the stop 161 towards the pin 157, the biasing member 157 is further compressed, making it harder to rotate the body 110 relative to the pivot 160 when the pin 157 has engaged the receiving portion 153. Conversely, by moving the stop 161 away from the pin 157, it becomes easier to rotate the body 110 relative to the pivot 160 when the pin 157 has engaged the receiving portion 153. Additionally, the stop 161 can be moved towards the pin 157 to such a degree that the biasing member 159 is unable to be compressed sufficiently enough to allow the pin 157 to clear the receiving portion 153. In such a circumstance, rotation of the body 110 relative to the pivot 160 is effectively prevented. Thus, an adjustable adapter 110 can be permanently or semi-permanently modified into a non-adjustable adapter.

FIGS. 18A-18C further illustrate the collet 200. The collet 200 of the adapter 100 is adapted to receive and hold the rotating member 12 of the prophy angle 10. In certain aspects of the adapter 100, the collet 200 is not limited in the manner in which the collet 200 receives and holds the rotating member 12, and any configuration of the collet 200 so capable is acceptable for use with the adapter 100.

In certain aspects of the adapter 100, the collet 200 includes a plurality of extensions 210 a-210 c for receiving the rotating member 12. The innermost portions of the extensions 210 a-210 c define an inner collet bore 208 having a diameter slightly less than the diameter of the rotating member 12. In this manner, upon the rotating member 12 being positioned within the inner collet bore 208, an interference fit or friction grip exists between the plurality of extensions 210 a-210 c and the rotating member 12. The interference fit allows the extensions 210 a-210 c to hold onto the rotating member 12 and to transfer rotation from the collet 200 to the rotating member 12. In certain aspects of the collet 200, the innermost portions of the extensions 210 a-210 c define an inner collet bore 208 having a fixed diameter.

As best shown in FIG. 18A, the outer edge of each extension 210 a-210 c may also include a concave surface. The concave surfaces of the extensions 210 a-210 c can define the outer circumference of the inner collet bore 208 of the collet 200. These concave surfaces also mate with the outer surface of the rotating member 12 to form the interference fit between the plurality of extensions 210 a-210 c and the rotating member 12. Although not limited in this manner, the radius of the concave surfaces of the extensions 210 a-210 c is substantially equal to the radius of the collet bore 208. Although not limited in this manner, in certain aspects of the collet 200, the concave surfaces define less than 20% of the circumference of the collet bore 208.

The collet 200 may also include longitudinal chamfers 202 on the extensions 210 a-210 c. The chamfers may extend from a collet distal end 206 along each extension 210 a-210 c and slope inwardly towards the rotational axis of the collet 200. The longitudinal chamfers 202 provide a guide for receiving the rotating member 12. As the rotating member 12 is moved into the collet 200, the longitudinal chamfers 202 guide the rotating member 12 toward the inner collet bore 208. Although not limited in this manner, a face of the longitudinal chamfers 202 may be angled at about 60°±15° relative to the face of the distal end 206 of the collet 200.

The manner in which the inner collet bore 208 is formed is not limited. For example, the inner collet bore 208 may be formed by drilling the collet 200 along its centerline. By forming the inner collet bore 208 is this manner, the concave surfaces at the outer edge of each extension 210 a-210 c may also be formed. Also, the extensions 210 a-210 c may be formed by drilling offset bores 204 a-204 c, which have a centerline offset from the centerline of the collet 200. Although the term “drilling” is used herein, other methodology used to form bores/holes is also acceptable.

Many types of joints are capable of transferring rotation from a first rotating member to a second rotating member, which is positioned off-axis from the first rotating member, and the present adjustable angle adapter 100 is not limited as to a particular type of joint so capable. Examples of these joints are illustrated in FIGS. 19A-19C, 20A-20B, 21A-21B, 22, and 23, However, in a current aspect of the adapter 100, the multi-axis rotation joint 400 is a yoke and joint., as illustrated in 19A-19C and 20A-20B.

Referring to FIGS. 19A-19C and 20A, 20B, elements of a multi-axis rotation joint 400 are illustrated. Referring to FIG. 19A, the collet 200 is connected to a receiver 406 for receiving a head 410 of the multi-axis rotation joint 400. Although shown connected to the collet 200, the receiver 406 may be integral with the collet 200. Alternatively, another member (not shown) may be positioned between the receiver 406 and the collet 200. The use of a multi-axis rotation joint 400 advantageously reduces back lash, which is inherent in may types of joints.

Referring to FIGS. 19A and 19B, the receiver 406 includes openings 408 into which a second pin 404 is positioned. Although the second pin 404 may rotate within the openings 408 of the receiver 406, in a current aspect of the multi-axis rotation joint 400, the second pin 404 is positionally and rotationally fixed relative to the receiver 406. In so doing, the second pin 404 is prevented from moving within the receiver 406. Since the receiver 406, and thus the ends of the second pin 404, can rotate about the rotational axis RA₁ of the collet 200 at very high speeds, any movement of the ends of the second pin 404 beyond the outer circumference of the receiver 406 may cause engagement between the ends of the second pin 404 and inner surfaces of the nose 312 and/or the body 110 of the adapter 100. This engagement may cause failure of or damage to the adapter 100 and/or the multi-axis rotation joint 400.

The manner in which the second pin 404 is prevented from moving within the receiver 406 is not limited as to a particular technique or arrangement. For example, the second pin 404 can be attached to the receiver, for example, via welding or gluing. However, in a current aspect of the multi-axis rotation joint 400, the second pin 404 is sized slightly greater than the size of the openings 408 of the receiver 406 such that upon inserting the second pin 404 into openings 408, an interference fit exists between the second pin 404 and the openings 408.

Referring to FIGS. 19C and 19D, the second pin 404 is positioned within an opening 403 of a first pin 402, and the first pin 402 is positioned within a head 410. As also illustrated in FIGS. 20A and 20B, the head 410 includes slots 414 through which the second pin 404 extends. As presently configured, the first pin 402 rotates within and relative to the head bore 412 of the head 410 about a rotational axis RA₄, and the second pin 404 rotates within relative to the first pin 402 about a rotational axis RA₃. The outside diameter of the second pin 404 is somewhat less than the inside diameter of the inside diameter of the opening 403 of the first pin 402 to form a close tolerance slip fit between the second pin 404 and the first pin 402. Similar, the outside diameter of the first pin 402 is somewhat less than the inside diameter of the head bore 412 of the head 410 to form a close tolerance slip fit between the first pin 402 and the head bore 412 of the head 410.

Although not limited as to a particular range of rotation or to the particular manner described herein, the first pin 402, while within the head 402, is limited in its range of rotation by the length of the slot 414 in the head 410. As the length of the slot 414 increases, the range of the rotation of the first pin 402 within the head 410 is also increased. Conversely, upon the length of the slot 414 decreasing, the range of rotation of the first pin 402 within the head 410 is also decreased. The width of the slots 414 may be slightly less than the outside diameter of the second pin 404 to allow the second pin 404 to move from side-to-side within the slots 414.

With regard to the range of rotation of the second pin 404 within the first pin 402, the range of rotation is not necessarily limited when the first pin 402 is within the second pin 404 alone. However, upon the joint 400 being full assembled, the range or ration of the second pin 404 within the first pin 402 may be limited to some degree by interference between the collet 200 and the shaft 118.

Although illustrated as the head 410 being connected to the shaft 118 and the receiver 406 being connected to the collet 200, the multi-axis rotation joint 400 is not limited in this manner. For example, the head 410 may be connected to the collet 200, and the receiver 406 may be connected to the shaft 118.

Unlike many other types of joints, a multi-axis rotation joint 400 allows for the angle between the rotational axis RA₂ of the shaft 118 and the rotational axis RA₁ of the collet 200 to be varied. Thus, use of the multi-axis rotation joint 400 permits the adjustable angle adapter 100 to be adjusted while the shaft 118 and collet 200 are rotating. To further enable the adjustable angle adapter 100 to be adjusted during the rotation of the shaft 118 and collet 200, the nose 112 pivots relative to the body 100 about a point that is congruent with the intersection point between the rotational axes RA₁, RA₂ of the collet 200 and shaft 118.

Referring to FIGS. 21-23, and improved prophy angle 10 and nose 112 is illustrated. One of the nose 112 and prophy angle 10 includes a lip 115, and the other of the nose 112 and prophy angle 10 includes a groove 117 for receiving the lip 115. In this manner, the prophy angle 10 may be retained on the nose 112 while still being able to rotate relative to the nose 112.

FIGS. 24A and 24B illustrate an adjustable angle adapter 500 with an micromotor 528 that is integral with the body 510 of the adjustable angle adapter 500. Upon using an integral micromotor 528 with the adjustable angle adapter 500, the shaft 518 may be directly connected to both the micromotor 528 and joint 400. Using micromotors to drive dental equipment is well known by those in the art, and any micromotor 528 so capable is acceptable for use with the adjustable angle adapter 500. Examples of micromotors 528 include electrically-driven and pneumatically-driven motors. In the presently-illustrated adjustable angle adapter 500, the micromotor 528 is pneumatically driven. 

1. An adjustable angle adapter for a prophy angle, comprising: a nose configured to receive a portion of a prophy angle; a rotating member positioned within the nose; a body adjustably connected to the nose; a shaft positioned within the body; and a multi-axis rotation joint connecting the shaft to the rotating member, wherein the nose is rotatable relative to the body into at least a first configuration and a second configuration.
 2. The adjustable angle adapter of claim 1, wherein in the first configuration, the shaft and the rotating member share a common rotational axis; and in the second configuration, a rotational axis of the shaft is at a non-zero degree angle to a rotational axis of the rotating member.
 3. The adjustable angle adapter of claim 1, further comprising a lock, wherein in a unlocked configuration of the lock, the nose is rotatable relative to the body, and in a locked configuration of the lock, the lock preventing the nose from rotating relative to the body.
 4. The adjustable angle adapter of claim 1, further comprising a pivot connecting the body to the nose.
 5. The adjustable angle adapter of claim 4, wherein the nose rotates relative to the body about an axis substantially perpendicular to a rotational axis of the shaft and/or a rotational axis of the rotating member.
 6. The adjustable angle adapter of claim 4, where the pivot comprises opposing and mating faces that are at an angle, other than perpendicular, to a rotational axis of the rotating member and a rotational axis of the shaft.
 7. The adjustable angle adapter of claim 1, further comprising a motor integral with the body.
 8. An adjustable angle adapter for a prophy angle, comprising: a nose configured to receive a portion of a prophy angle; a rotating member positioned within the nose; a body adjustably connected to the nose; and a shaft positioned within the body and connected to the rotating member, wherein the nose is rotatable relative to the body into at least a first configuration and a second configuration while the shaft is rotating.
 9. The adjustable angle adapter of claim 8, wherein in the first configuration, the shaft and the rotating member share a common rotational axis; and in the second configuration, a rotational axis of the shaft is at a non-zero degree angle to a rotational axis of the rotating member.
 10. The adjustable angle adapter of claim 8, further comprising a lock, wherein in a unlocked configuration of the lock, the nose is rotatable relative to the body, and in a locked configuration of the lock, the lock preventing the nose from rotating relative to the body.
 11. The adjustable angle adapter of claim 8, further comprising a pivot connecting the body to the nose.
 12. The adjustable angle adapter of claim 11, wherein the nose rotates relative to the body about an axis substantially perpendicular to a rotational axis of the shaft and/or a rotational axis of the rotating member.
 13. The adjustable angle adapter of claim 11, where the pivot comprises opposing and mating faces that are at an angle, other than perpendicular, to a rotational axis of the rotating member and a rotational axis of the shaft.
 14. The adjustable angle adapter of claim 8, further comprising a motor integral with the body.
 15. An adjustable angle adapter for a prophy angle, comprising: a nose configured to receive a portion of a prophy angle; a rotating member positioned within the nose; a body adjustably connected to the nose; and a shaft positioned within the body, wherein the nose is rotatable relative to the body into at least a first configuration and a second configuration, the nose rotates relative to the body about an axis that intersects an intersection point between a rotational axis of the rotating member and a rotational axis of the shaft.
 16. The adjustable angle adapter of claim 15, wherein in the first configuration, the shaft and the rotating member share a common rotational axis; and in the second configuration, a rotational axis of the shaft is at a non-zero degree angle to a rotational axis of the rotating member.
 17. The adjustable angle adapter of claim 15, further comprising a lock, wherein in a unlocked configuration of the lock, the nose is rotatable relative to the body, and in a locked configuration of the lock, the lock preventing the nose from rotating relative to the body.
 18. The adjustable angle adapter of claim 15, further comprising a pivot connecting the body to the nose.
 19. The adjustable angle adapter of claim 18, wherein the nose rotates relative to the body about an axis substantially perpendicular to a rotational axis of the shaft and/or a rotational axis of the rotating member.
 20. The adjustable angle adapter of claim 18, where the pivot comprises opposing and mating faces that are at an angle, other than perpendicular, to a rotational axis of the rotating member and a rotational axis of the shaft.
 21. The adjustable angle adapter of claim 15, further comprising a motor integral with the body. 